"Please be seated." The minister's voice was clear and the small group of Dodge folks sat.
The minister cleared his throat and looked out on the 40 or so folks. "We are gathered here this morning to witness the union of two people - Galen Adams and Annie Smith. As we enter this sacred ceremony, I ask of you, if anyone knows any reason why this marriage should not take place, state your case or forever hold your peace..."
It was then that Festus entered the church. His shadow caused everyone to look back to him. He stood awkwardly framed by the church doors. "Doc. You can't marry Annie..."
Doc's eyes narrowed and filled with anger. "What in thunder are you talking about!" His voice filled the church.
"Doc. Annie is under arrest..." Festus walked slowly up the aisle.
Doc looked around as if this was the ultimate joke on him. No one was laughing.
"Mrs Smith. You have to come with me now..." Festus approached the woman that clutched Doc's hand.
"He's right Doc..." Matt said from behind the minister.
Annie snapped her hand out of Doc's and dropped her bouquet at his feet as she backed away from him. All of a sudden she looked like a wild animal that had been cornered. Her eyes darted around looking for a route of escape. Doc just stood with his eyes wide open and a look of disbelief on his face.
Kitty was just about the same. Her eyebrows, however, knotted at Matt and Festus for the disruption and ill timing.
Annie was still plotting her escape and made a run for it. That was until Festus sidestepped into her path and she ran right into him. "Now slow down there, "missy"..." Festus looked into her eyes that had almost turned black with hate. "I figured you was up to no good." he said to her just loud enough for her alone to hear. "You can always track a skunk by its smell..." he sneered at her.
Doc on the other hand, stood speechless at the alter. Kitty joined him as the small crowd dissipated after Matt and Festus escorted Annie Smith from the church to the jail house.
"Why..." Doc wasn't really looking for answers. "This was to be the happiest day of my life..."
"Oh, Doc. You poor thing." Kitty took his face in her hands. All of a sudden he looked old again. "I don't know what to say..." She spoke softly.
His eyes filled with unshed tears. He swallowed hard. "Neither do I..."